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Pulmonary aspergilloma (mycetoma)    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Fungus ball; Mycetoma; Aspergilloma

Definition:

A fungal mass that usually grows in pre-existing lung cavities. It can also appear in the brain and kidney, as well as other organs.

Causes and Risks

Aspergillomas are formed when the fungus (Aspergillus) grows in a clump in a pre-existing pulmonary (lung) cavity or when the organism invades the lung tissue causing an abscess.
Aspergillus is found commonly in the environment. It grows on dead leaves, stored grain, bird droppings, compost piles, and other decaying vegetation. The preexisting cavities may have been caused by a previous infection such as histoplasmosis, tuberculosis, lung abscess, or by cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, or previous lung cancer. The incidence is 1 out of 1 million people. See also aspergillosis.

Ency. home > Disease > P > Pulmonary aspergilloma (mycetoma)

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